Valerie Cheffings is an Australian artist based in Melbourne. Valerie is an explorer of life and art, her energy is matched by her curiosity and desire to learn.
Fulfilling a promise made to herself as a teen, Valerie has returned to art after a corporate career circling around visual communication. A gentle reminder of this promise raised itself when, as waiting for her young children to sleep, she filled time by sketching on the Etch a Sketch.. Later, an injury restricted her physical activities, but offered the opportunity to try something she had always wanted to do, Valerie chose painting, learning through independent classes, at first concentrating on acrylic paints on canvas.
Referring to herself as The Escape Artist, she feels this term expresses the freedom she experiences when creating art as well as a sense of ease she hopes the viewer feels when viewing her work if only for a passing glance.
âEvery work is created with the intention to bring joy and a moment of calm even in a rushed passing glance."
Returning numerous times to France, Valerie is entranced by the French landscape ; the sophistication of Paris, the warmth of local markets, and of the mesmerising azure of the mediterranean sea. Â Valerie incorporates subjects from her travels in her work, with many works created whilst in France.
Her curiosity and free flowing style reflects Valerieâs thirst to uncover new ideas and gives a freshness to her work. A keen observer, Valerie explores all components of a subject, starting with the obvious, then breaking into its simplest forms, to expand later and exaggerate. She is drawn to simplifying the elements and often uses colours and techniques invoke playfulness, joy and vitality for life
âArt lets me see more of my world,â
Having lived in many homes over the years, the most recent move from rural character mud brick to suburban townhouse Valerie realises that no matter the house, you can beautify and make it as unique as you; simply by introducing art to your walls. | 
